Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes cut an emotional figure in a recent interview, discussing just how much this club means to him.
The Brazilian again impressed as the Toon recorded their third victory over the span of a week with a 4-0 battering of Ipswich, continuing to shine in that No.8 role ahead of Sandro Tonali.
Despite links with Man City, Bruno himself has never hinted at an exit. The rumours aren’t going away, but the 27-year-olds message is clear.
Speaking to Andy Sixsmith during an interview for [NUFC TV](https://www.newcastleunited.com/en/video/733558), he said: “It’s tough to explain this in words. It’s the team where I feel like home. They have done so much for me and my family.
“We are Geordie now. This is the place I feel like home in. I think I have a new home outside of Brazil. I feel part of the family.
“I want my sons to know exactly what I’m doing here to make a special connection for them because the connection I have with this place is unbelievable.
“I feel like one of them (the fans). I don’t play for Bruno. I play for Newcastle United. I feel like a fan of the team. When I retire I will support the club because they’ve made me feel at home since day one.”
From the moment he arrived on Tyneside Bruno felt like an adopted Geordie. A fan favourite and a real statement addition in the first window of PIF, watching him play from the stands felt like a shock to the system after being used to some of the midfielders that preceded him.
It wasn’t just his clear technical nouse, or his tenacious nature, but his passion for the club and the project that solidified him in the hearts of the Geordie nation – he IS one of us, and it’s great to know he feels that.
As mentioned, not only a word-class footballer with technique and tenacity, but his passion – on and off the pitch – and personality makes him such a one-off.
Now donning the armband to no complaints, his love affair with Toon fans has grown only stronger over the years, but it does feel vital we get European football at a minimum to keep him.
Now 27, the Brazilian couldn’t be blamed for wanting titles or regular Champions League football and there isn’t a team on the planet that would be worse for acquiring the services of Bruno.
Obviously, I hope it doesn’t come to that and it will be a sad day if it does, but if the players needed any further motivation – push that extra percentage harder to keep Bruno around (please)!